Opening Speech Summer in JAPAN 2026

Good morning, everyone. I am Kiichiro Sato, Governor of Oita Prefecture. I would like to welcome all of you for participating in Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) 2026. I would also like to offer my sincere appreciation to President Hirotsuru and all the people involved in this program for cultivating the global leaders of the future in cooperation with students acting as instructors or assistants from Harvard University and schools in Japan.

First of all, a large earthquake occurred in Kumamoto, west of Oita, last week. I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to those affected. We, Oita Prefecture and its cities, have already dispatched rescue teams to support recovery efforts. In case of an emergency occurring during this event, please follow the staff’s instructions, stay calm, and ensure your safety.

Our prefecture is one of the most internationally minded areas in all of Japan, being home to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, where over half of the student body comes from other countries. I understand that this program is designed to develop global leaders of the future through the experience of diversity, providing substantial content, such as critical thinking, liberal arts, and computer programming, in cooperation with students from top universities in the United States. I hope the participants enhance their English skills, learn about other cultures cooperatively, and in the future make the world and society even better.

To the university student instructors of this program, I ask that you help the participating children develop global perspectives by sharing your own experiences and insights. I also hope that participating in this program will be a valuable experience for your own futures as well.

Finally, I would like to close my greeting by wishing Summer in JAPAN 2026 successful and fruitful. Thank you very much.